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The Roam is Sonos' cheapest and most portable speaker yet
Today, Sonos revealed its least expensive, most portable speaker yet, the Roam. It's up for pre-order today, and it'll be available on April 20th.
Save $80 on a Sonos Beam this Black Friday
With just a couple of days before the official start of Black Friday, Sonos has detailed what you can expect from its sale. Later this week, you'll be able to save on the company's Beam, Playbar, Playbase and Sub speakers, as well as its Amp amplifier. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Sonos plans to offer a direct discount on its music-focused speakers -- home theater products appear to be the theme this year. You'll be able to take advantage of all deals we detail below starting from midnight ET on November 28th through to December 2nd.
Denon parent Sound United now owns Pioneer and Onkyo home audio
The audio world just got noticeably smaller. Sound United, the parent company for brands like Denon, Polk Audio and Marantz, has reached a deal to buy Onkyo's home audio division, including everything from smart speakers to receivers and turntables. Crucially, that gives it control of the Pioneer, Pioneer Elite and Integra labels -- that's a lot of major names under one roof. The purchase will help Sound United offer "premium" gear designed for "specific needs," targeting a wider range of listeners.
Sony's latest home audio systems balance looks, price and sound quality
Here's the thing with soundbars, sound plates and every other gadget that attempts to fill the niche between a full 5.1 home theater system and the tinny speakers built into your TV -- they rarely sound great and they usually look even worse. Of course, there are always trade offs to be made, but the question that vexes us is, are they worth it? Sony is hoping that it's found a proper balance with it's latest trio of home audio setups and hit certain sweet spots on the bell curve of sound quality and design (and price).
Singing Machine wants to elevate your late-night karaoke party
Money can't buy you class, but it can buy you this classy looking karaoke machine. Starting later this month, the Singing Machine Home will be available for $299 via Best Buy, online and in stores. The orb-like Bluetooth speaker doubles as a karaoke machine when connected to your TV. It also comes with a wireless remote/mic that lets you browse a subscription-based library of some 8,000 songs, and croon to your guests without the threat of tripping over pesky wires while serving Sinatra. Of course, you could just use your gaming console of choice to embarrass yourself in front of your friends. For more details, check out the full press release after the break.
Pioneer introduces first sound bar in 15 years: six speakers and a subwoofer for $399 (hands-on)
The last time Pioneer introduced a speaker bar was 1998, but 15 years later the company's giving it another go. The just-announced speaker bar system, the SP-SB23W, will retail for $399 this fall -- reps said the device was designed to pump out high-quality audio without sacrificing a small, attractive design. It's clearly not the most compact rig on the market, but it does offer decent output. It features six independently amplified speakers and an eight-channel active digital crossover network. There's also a wireless subwoofer with a 6.5-inch driver and Dolby Digital decoding on board. On the noisy show floor here at CE Week, it was a little difficult to judge sound quality definitively, but the dialogue recording we heard did sound extremely crisp. For those who already count a Pioneer speaker or two among their home theater setup, the speaker bar should fit in perfectly; it sports a wood -- rather than plastic -- construction, and the company says its cabinet enclosure offer better control of the speakers "because of its resistance to unwanted resonance." Check out our hands-on photo gallery below, and head past the break for the full press info.%Gallery-192388% Zach Honig contributed to this report.
Phorus PS1 speakers and PR1 receiver add some Android-powered WiFi audio to your home (video)
It's HiFi, over WiFi. Got that? Now cross your fingers and repeat that three times, lest you forget exactly what the Phorus PS1 speaker and PR1 receiver allow you to do. So it's a WiFi speaker and receiver combo? Well, almost. There's also an Android app that ties it all together. Load it up on your phone, or whatever Android you choose, and it'll sniff out all the (90dB) Phorus speakers you have. You can use multiple with one device, or separate speakers with separate phones -- and stream your music wirelessly around your pad. Just in case, there is also Bluetooth and USB connectivity, if you want to keep your options open. The receiver essentially lets you convert any old HiFi into a wireless player, meaning you can bypass the conical speakers completely should you wish to do so. You can get 'em now, with the PS1s weighing in at $199 a pop, and $149 for the PR1s. Forgotten that rhyming mantra from the top? Cue the video after the break to remind you.
Sonos' wireless Sub adds extra thump to your Sonos system for $700 (ears-on)
Although we generally raved about the performance of Sonos' Play:3 wireless HiFi speakers, one of our chief complaints rested in their slightly muddy bass output. Folks who've felt similarly should be pleased to know that the company has unveiled its first subwoofer, dubbed Sonos Sub. This $700 bass-dropper works wirelessly with your existing Sonos speakers, requiring a quick a setup within the app to ensure it's in-phase and putting out an adequate level of volume. You'll only find a single cable and switch for power on the outside, while looking through its center reveals a duo of "force-cancelling" drivers. Two internal air-ports also flow from top to bottom to aid in the unit's bass reproduction. We gave a pre-production unit a very brief listen with a stereo array of Sonos Play:3s and came out fairly impressed. The speakers are no slouches on their own, but there's no denying the extra power a sub can add to the HiFi boxes. Measuring in at 15.8 x 6.2 x 15 inches (402 x 158 x 380mm) the Sub dwarf's even the larger Play:5, but a Sonos rep let us know it ensures it'll cover a range of spaces -- not mention folks using the Connect:Amp with their own HiFi speakers (Sonos' Connect, ZP90 and ZP80 aren't compatible, however). We got pleasing results from our unit planted on a table a few feet away from any walls, and the system didn't show any signs or shaking or rattling. The Sub can thankfully rest sideways for placement under some couches, but you'll likely want to "set it and forget it" since it weighs about 36 pounds. Our only displeasure rests in the glossy finish -- a magnet for fingerprints and dust -- but we're told a non-gloss version will be offered later for $100 less. You'll be able to pick up this wub-maker come June 19, so check out the video and press release after the break for more info in the meantime. %Gallery-155914%
Yamaha RX-V573 and RX-V473 receivers include AirPlay integration, 4K passthrough
We don't spend a whole lot of time focusing on home theater receivers 'round these parts, but we do like AirPlay, and we're especially fond of audio devices that boast compatibility with the iOS wireless streaming tool out of the box. Yamaha's RX-V573 and RX-V473 are two of the latest mid-range audio mixers to ship with AirPlay integration -- a feature lacking from the company's past offerings -- along with compatibility with the AV Controller app, available for iOS, Android and the Kindle Fire. There's also a nifty 4K video pass-through feature, which won't do you much good at present, but may go a long way to future-proofing both devices. There's not much differentiating the models, save for a $100 gap in price ($450 for the V473, $550 for the V573), and 7.1 channel audio in the pricier model (you'll find 5.1 channels in the bargain offering). Both flavors include front-panel USB ports (also with iOS compatibility), four HDMI inputs and digital audio inputs, and 115 watts per channel. You can pick up either model now, and there's a more detailed list of specifications awaiting your gander in the PR after the break.
Panasonic prices its 2012 home theater and audio offerings
Panasonic just outed the availability for its 2012 HDTVs, so it's no surprise the company would roll out its home theater and audio component pricing as well. Remember those high-end home theater 3D Blu-ray players that made their debut at CES packing WiFi, DLNA and Viera Connect? Well, if you want to pick them up when they go on sale in April, the SC-BTT490 will set you back $500, while the SC-BTT195 and 190 models will cost $400 and $300, respectively. Meanwhile, the micro sound systems we saw in Vegas also got priced -- the elegant SC-AP01 packing AirPlay debuts in June for $170, while its hockey puck-sized and Bluetooth-powered cousin, the SC-MC07, can be had for $70 a month later. Panny's also letting loose a trio of HTB series home theater systems ranging from $230 - $400 that offer Bluetooth for streaming music from your phone and wireless subwoofers to cut down on living room cord clutter. Don't believe us? Well, head on past the break to get your fill of model numbers, price points and feature sets straight from the horse's mouth.
Sony reveals SS-AR2 loudspeaker, wants an invite to your next house party
Sony has been quite busy chatting up new products for 2012 here at CES. One of the new pieces of tech is the SS-AR2 loudspeaker that looks to keep the up the reputation of its elder sibling in the R-Series line, the SS-AR1. Maple from Hokkaido, an island in northern Japan encloses all the important components and contributes to the overall sound quality. The SS-AR2 is a 4-unit, 3-way vented standing tower that sports a frequency response ranging from 42Hz to 60kHz. Distortion is combated by positioning the bass reflex port in just the right to spot to allow a duo of woofers to drive without a hitch. Birch partitions on the interior construct a well-insulated cavity keeping the midrange and tweeters just the right distance apart from the bass section -- and all those tones neat and tidy. NO word on pricing on availability as of yet, but you'll want to start bench pressing phone books before picking one up, as each unit tips the scale at 84 pounds.
Bang & Olufsen's Beolit 12 sends the FCC a little bit of Don Draper
Imagine when the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 12 (label after the break) came through the double doors of the FCC's underground bunker. Seeing the golden honeycomb speaker and faux-Bakelite styling, the technicians all dashed home to slick back their hair and put on sharp suits before subjecting this particular iPod dock with AirPlay capabilities to the usual multimeter and rulers treatment we expect from our boys. The top area is hollow to keep your futuristic-looking iDevice from sticking out and ruining the illusion that you're living in 1964 (did you see the brown leather carrying strap?). Since it's been approved by the Government, we can only assume it's not long for these shores, and since it's a B&O device, we can expect it to retail for four or five times what you'd expect to pay.[Image courtesy AMC TV]
Sony unveils $300 RDP-X500iP speaker dock, gives your iPad some sonic assistance
Sony's churned out plenty of speaker docks for the smaller iDevices out there, but until now, it hadn't given the largest Apple handheld any love. It's a little late to the party, but the company finally jumped on the iPad bandwagon with its latest RDP-X500iP speaker dock. Sporting a built in subwoofer, magnetic fluid speakers and Sony's Clear Phase DSP sonic technology, this little gem purportedly packs a pretty good bass punch while delivering quality audio. Picking one up will leave your wallet $300 lighter when it's released next month, and you can reserve yours now by getting in on the pre-order over on Sony's website.
Philips Fidelio for Android speaker docks get your little green robot bumpin'
Philips' line of smartphone-connected sound systems has been all up on iOS for quite sometime, but now Fidelio's ready to show Android some love. The outfit just outed three new Android-ready speaker docks -- the AS851, AS351 and AS111 -- and is set to debut the flossy Fidelios at IFA this week. These new docks are so anxious to get close to your Android handset, that they're rocking a micro-USB connector that adjusts in three dimensions to allow just about any phone to stand tall in portrait or kick back in landscape. Either way, the phone syncs the jams via Bluetooth and a dedicated app. The biggie of the bunch, the AS851, promises "lifelike, distortion-less music" and 30 watts of RMS power, while the smaller AS351 lets you take the show on the road with both AC and battery options and bumps 10 watts of RMS. The smallest of the three, the AS111, is dubbed as a bedside companion. There's no word on pricing or when the docks will have your Android getting up with the get down, but we do have full PR for you after the break.%Gallery-132393%
Altec Lansing Octiv Stage (450) review
No matter how much you love your iPad, there will always come a time when you feel the need to prop up this hefty tablet while simultaneously giving its audio and battery a little boost. Well, Altec Lansing thinks you do, anyway. Like the $99 SMK-Link PadDock 10 we reviewed not long ago, Altec's Octiv Stage (or Octiv 450 outside the US) also provides a combo of swivel hinge and speakers for the iPad, but is this $149.95 dock worth the extra money? Read on to find out. %Gallery-108654%
iHome's iA100 iPad stereo speaker system now on sale for $199
Took 'em long enough, huh? iHome's iA100 was actually introduced way back in July, and at the time, it was essentially the only iPad-friendly home stereo system on the planet. Now, iHome has a bit of friendly competition out there, but at least it's getting this guy out on store shelves long before the holiday shopping season hits full swing. For those who missed it the first go 'round, this here docking system touts Bongiovi Acoustics' DPS technology, an inbuilt alarm clock, Bluetooth and support for the iPad, iPhone and iPod via a 30-pin Dock Connector. Too bad it'll set you back a full $199.
New batch of Yamaha stereo receivers flaunt retrotastic looks
If you long for the days of leisure suits and Magnum PI mustaches, or are just in the market for audio gear to match your arcade and TV, then Yamaha's new R-S line of receivers might be just the ticket. The R-S700, R-S500, and R-S300 draw inspiration from the audio equipment of the 70s and 80's and all feature minimal aluminum front panels with André the Giant hand-sized knobs for adjustments. Their throwback looks hide modern day goodies like YBA-10 Bluetooth audio streaming, iPod dock connectivity and a dedicated subwoofer output. Power-wise, the R-S300 provides 50 watts per channel of clean power, while the R-S500 and R--S700 scale the wattage up to 75 and 100 watts per channel, respectively. If you like to keep your power and tuner separate, then the similarly styled A-S500 integrated amp and matching T-S500 tuner can also oblige. Slated to time warp to shelves later this October, pricing starts at $330 for the R-S300 and works its way up to $550 for the top tiered dual-zoned and dual remote-toting R-S700. With all the retro love going around though, just make sure your short shorts stay in the attic -- that history ain't quite ready to be repeated. For full details on the line, have a peek at the press release after the break.
Orb MP-1 music player pulls Sonos-like tricks for way less than a Benjamin
Streaming music from a computer to all manner of home audio devices is an area Sonos, Logitech, and Apple have been competing in for years. The recently-released MP-1 music player from Orb, though, is a surprise contender that can perform a host of streaming duties for less than $70. Like the competition, it works by connecting to a powered audio device via an in-line jack, and can play music stored locally, on a network, or from services like Pandora when streamed over 802.11b/g/n WiFi through its companion Orb Caster media server software. To sweeten the package, the company is also throwing in their Orb Controller app for iOS devices -- which normally costs $10 -- for a low price of free, and apparently has plans to release an Android version of the remote sometime in the near future. Sure, it's a little strange for us to see a company known for their free media streaming software jump in the hardware game so abruptly, but the MP-1's mixture of functionality for the price is a pretty enticing first step. Plus, if the move ignites a price war to the bottom with the aforementioned competition, who are we to complain? [Thanks, Tom]
Raumfeld's 2Raumfeld multiroom audio system reviewed, deemed sweet but no Sonos
Despite the bevy of multimedia streamers beating down your door, there are still few options available for high-end multiroom audio, and until recently the ones you'd likely consider would go by the name of Sonos. Judging by a recent UK review, that hasn't entirely changed, but a two-speaker WiFi-based setup by Germany's Raumfeld reportedly offers a reasonable challenge to the Sonos hegemony. PC Pro said the 2Raumfeld package "knocks the equivalent Sonos 250 into a cocked hat" when it came to quality sound thanks to a pair of Adam Audio-designed speakers, and praised the minimalist design and ease of setup even as minor annoyances (like the pairs of 'wireless' speakers that have to be strung together) popped up. It seems the only real flies in the ointment are the limited media browsing options available -- that sexy silver knob and touchscreen aren't enough -- and the fact that you can roll your own Sonos mesh network for less than Raumfeld's €1,225 (about $1,575) asking price, which kind of defeats the point. Read the full review at our source link.
New Pioneer Elite G-Clef line tempts new would be crop of audiophiles
Pioneer has announced its new, suave-looking Elite G-Clef line, consisting of two integrated stereo amplifiers dubbed the SX-A6MK2 ($700) and SX-A9MK2 ($1,600), along with a pair of CD/SACD players, the PD-D9MK2-K ($1,500) and PD-D6MK2-K ($700). Despite retailing above the brand's new lower-priced receivers also bearing the Elite moniker, the inclusion 192kHz / 24-Bit Burr Brown and Wolfson D / A converters along with twin Mono Symmetrical construction in the amplifiers still positions the G-Clef components as a good value. That's intriguing considering features like SACD playback, Honeycomb Chassis design, Toroidal Transformers, and recreating digitally lost ultra-high harmonics are normally only the things notoriously picky, price-ignoring audiophiles drool over. So we can only surmise Pioneer is trying to breed an entirely new generation of future High-Fi addicts using the G-Clef line as shiny new lure, before iPods packed with 128kbps AAC files become the new sound dungeon the general population will never escape, let alone even notice.
